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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Gunther (R)

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REP. GUNTHER ANNOUNCES SURVEY RESULTS

Thursday, April 21, 2016

ST. PAUL – The results of State Representative Bob Gunther’s (R-Fairmont) legislative survey are in, and Gunther said he is pleased to release the findings after hundreds of area residents weighed in with their opinions.

 

“It’s always good to know how the public feels about certain legislative topics that are likely to be debated at the State Capitol,” Gunther said. 

 

When asked what the Legislature should do with Minnesota’s projected $900 million surplus, 49 percent want to keep it in budget reserves, while 44 percent would like to return it to the taxpayers. Seven percent chose “increase state spending.”

 

In order to provide more money for statewide road and bridge improvement, 89 percent said they would rather redirect tax revenues that are already being collected by Minnesota for transportation purposes, while 11 percent want to increase gas taxes by a minimum of 16 cents per gallon.

 

Regarding their feelings on MNsure, 53 percent say it isn’t working and lawmakers should repeal it entirely; 24 percent think they should give Minnesotans more options outside of MNsure; 16 percent believe it can be fixed by enacting significant reforms; and seven percent feel it is working and that lawmakers should leave it alone.

 

In addition, 68 percent of respondents prefer using surplus funds to provide tax relief rather than to increase spending for Local Government Aid; 78 percent do not want to provide state tax dollars to fund all day pre-Kindergarten programs; and 70 percent said taxpayer dollars should not be used to help create more reliable broadband access in Minnesota.

 

“Many of the respondents also were able to share other legislative thoughts and concerns, which I always appreciate,” Gunther said. “My thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out my survey.”